Do you also have a cough and a sore throat? Is your nose blocked and running? When you hear these words, you immediately think, "I have a cold again," right? Most of the time, this is true. But sometimes, if this cold does not seem to be getting better after a week or two, or if it seems to be getting worse, it may be something more than a common cold. Let's talk about this today.
How do you know if this is a common cold?
A cold caused by a minor virus usually gets better within 3 to 10 days. During this time, you may have symptoms like:
- Nasal discharge (sometimes yellow or green)
- Nasal congestion
- Frequent sneezing
- Tears flowing from the eyes
- A sore or scratchy throat
- Dry or phlegmy cough
The best thing to do at a time like this is to get plenty of rest. Unless you have other serious illnesses, you probably don't need to see a doctor for a common cold like this.
When is it best to see a doctor?
Some symptoms are not typical of a common cold. They indicate that another infection is developing inside the body. If you have any of the symptoms below, be sure to see your doctor.
| Opportunity | Symptoms to watch out for |
|---|---|
| See a doctor immediately. |
|
| Go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. |
|
Other complications that can occur due to the common cold
Sometimes the virus that causes a cold travels to our sinus cavities or lungs and causes swelling there. This can lead to other problems.
1. Sinus infection (Sinusitis)
Simply put, sinuses are the hollow spaces (cavities) in our cheeks, forehead, and under our eyes. When we have a cold, these cavities become swollen and the body produces more mucus. When this mucus gets stuck there, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This is what we call sinusitis .
Sinus pain is different from a regular headache. If the pain is worse when you move your head, especially if you move your head, it could be a sign of a sinus infection.
| Symptoms of Sinusitis | |
|---|---|
| Severe nasal congestion | Decreased sense of smell and taste |
| Thick, dark yellow or green mucus | Feeling a toothache |
| Pain in the sinuses of the face | Increased coughing and bad breath at night |
| Attention! These may be signs of a serious condition such as meningitis. Go to the ETU immediately! | |
| Fever over 102°F | Sudden, severe facial or head pain |
| Double vision or difficulty seeing | Neck stiffness (stiffness) and confusion |
If these symptoms are severe, persist for more than 7 days, or if the illness worsens after a while, be sure to see a doctor.
2. Bronchitis - Chest congestion
This is when the large airways (bronchi) that carry air to our lungs become swollen and infected. We also call this "chest congestion."
Main features:
- A cough that lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
- Coughing up green, yellow, or white mucus.
Most of the time, bronchitis doesn't require any special treatment and will resolve on its own. However , if you have these symptoms, it could be a more serious condition like pneumonia , so see a doctor right away.
- Fever over 100.4°F.
- Cough that does not improve after 7-10 days.
Go to the ETU immediately:
- If you have chest pain or difficulty breathing when coughing .
- If you cough up blood .
It is very important to see a doctor for advice, especially if you are over 75 years old and have a persistent cough, even if you have no other symptoms.
3. Ear Infection
Colds and sinus infections can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum. This moisture can allow bacteria or viruses to grow there, causing an ear infection.
Symptoms of an ear infection:
- A feeling of fullness or tightness in the ear (or both ears).
- Ear pain.
- Fluid draining from the ear.
- Hearing loss (hard of hearing).
If you have a high fever or unbearable ear pain , see a doctor without delay.
Take-Home Message
- Most colds heal on their own in a few days with plenty of rest. There's nothing to worry about.
- However, if symptoms persist for more than a week, or if they worsen day by day, be concerned.
- High fever, severe pain, and difficulty breathing are warning signs. Don't ignore them.
- If you have symptoms, especially chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe headache, or neck stiffness, do not hesitate to go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have any doubts or concerns about your symptoms, it's best and safest to talk to your doctor and get advice, rather than keep it to yourself.
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